Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta wraps around Banderas Bay on Mexico's Pacific coast, backed by the Sierra Madre mountains. The Malecón, a mile-long seaside boardwalk, runs along the waterfront past bronze sculptures, food vendors, and occasional street performers. Ships dock at the Marina Vallarta terminal or anchor offshore for tender service. Either way, the old town and its cobblestone streets are reachable by taxi in about ten minutes. The Zona Romántica, south of the Cuale River, has the best concentration of restaurants, bars, and small galleries. Grilled fish tacos and ceviche from street-side stands are cheap and fresh. The church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, with its distinctive crown-shaped tower, anchors the centre of town. If you want beach time, Playa de los Muertos is close and has lounger rentals. Los Arcos marine park, a short boat ride away, has good snorkelling around its rocky islets.